Multiple fast moving wildfires have ravaged tens of thousands of acres in Northern California. Dry conditions and strong winds have made for challenging conditions for firefighters, as they battle more than a dozen wildfires in California’s wine country.

The wildfires have caused multiple deaths and widespread evacuations. Countless homes and businesses have been burnt to the ground and many more property owners that did not lose their buildings to flames have been impacted by the tremendous amount of smoke that has infiltrated their properties. Wildfire smoke is filled with combustion by-products that include soot, ash and char that can travel long distances and have damaging effects to the properties they impact. Odors, discoloration and "ghosting" effects frequently result when these combustion byproducts make their way into buildings and onto surfaces. Their presence can even cause etching and corrosion over time.

“Residues from wildfires can have damaging effects to people’s properties and even their health if they breathe polluted air for hours on end,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “This type of property damage is often covered by many property insurance policies. However, it is frequently left to the property owner to provide proof of damages to settle smoke residue insurance claims. The scientists at LA Testing analyze samples for smoke residues utilizing the latest techniques and advanced instrumentation. These services are available to assist property owners, environmental experts and insurance adjusters. LA Testing even offers an easy-to-use Fire & Smoke Damage Test Kit.”

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.